president obama says the u.s. cannot afford a politically self-inflicted wound to our economy. >> fortunately congress can prevent it from happening if they act right now. i just had a good and constructive discussion with senate and house leadership about how to prevent this tax hike on the middle class. i'm optimistic we may still be able to reach an agreement that can pass both houses in time. >> the wild card is figuring out what it will take to get a final deal to pass in the house of representatives. they return tomorrow, probably around when we find out if the top two senators reached an agreement. >> gregg: mike emmanuel live in washington. thanks very much. be sure to watch fox news sunday tomorrow. chris wallace talks fiscal cliff with u.s. senators lindsey graham and diane feinstein. check your local listings for the times. >> arthel: with a possible agreement being worked on behind closed doors to avoid going over the fiscal cliff, one casualty could be the defense department. severe financial cuts cou